Quantum Readiness for Computer Science Students

Quantum readiness refers to the preparedness of individuals, organizations, and societies to leverage the potential of quantum technologies effectively. With quantum computing, communication, and sensing on the horizon, being quantum-ready entails understanding the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, exploring quantum algorithms and programming languages, and anticipating the transformative impact of quantum technologies across various domains. There are so many notable use cases where quantum computing could make a significant impact including Cryptography and Security, Drug Discovery and Materials Science, Optimization and Logistics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Financial Modelling and Portfolio Management, Climate Modelling and Environmental Research to name a just few. As quantum technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative use cases emerge, driving scientific discovery, economic growth, and societal progress.

As the potential of quantum computing becomes more apparent, investments have ballooned; from different research reports, it is evident that year 2020 alone saw about $700 million in private funding for quantum technology start-ups. In 2021 this doubled, bringing the total private investment in quantum computing from 2001 to 2021 to more than $3.3 billion. Announced public investments in quantum computing are even higher: nearly $30 billion to date. Buoyed by this investment, the ecosystem of players in quantum computing is expanding across the value chain. The number of quantum-computing start-ups has jumped from a handful in 2013 to more than 300 in 2023, with increasingly more start-ups focused on software. Major technology companies continue to develop their quantum capabilities as well: companies such as Alibaba, Amazon, IBM, Google, and Microsoft have already launched commercial quantum-computing cloud services.

It is projected that Quantum Computing Market is set to grow from US $866 Million in 2023 to US $4.375 Billion in 2028 and further to projected to grow at the CAGR of 31.2% and by 2032 the market size is expected to surpass US$ 8.5 Billion. Considering its significance and to take lead in this field, Govt. of India has also taken lead towards this and the Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in April 2023, with a total outlay of Rs 6,003.65 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2030-31. This initiative aimed to boost research and development and create an innovative quantum technology ecosystem in India.

In this happening environment, as Computer Science students, particularly those pursuing BCA, MCA, or B.Tech , it's crucial to understand and grasp the fundamentals of quantum computing to exploit all these opportunities.